DEATH PERCEPTION AMONG MUSLIM AND CHRISTIAN ELDERS IN MALAYSIA: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Death perception among different religions arises the acceptance and rejection of afterlife, Hell and Heaven. Muslims have a strong belief of afterlife and this belief is a part of their life. Christians also share the same belief of afterlife and the existence of Heaven and Hell. This belief serves as a relief of being united with the loved ones. Death is something that is promised regardless of age, gender or any other factors. Its perspective is different among every religion and has great impact on their lives.  This study is a comparative religious study, aiming to examine the concept of death and the factors which influence the death perception in Islam and Christianity. Further, this study also analyses the similarities and differences regarding death perception of Muslims and Christians in Malaysia. This study is conducted in Malaysia due to the reason that it is a unique Islamic country where 63.5 percent Muslim and 36.5 percent population is non-Muslim. Similarly, Penang is selected because 54.5 percent non-Muslims as compare to 45.5 percent Muslims are living there. Data from 40 elderly respondents were collected through questionnaires, 20 were Muslims and 20 Non-Muslims. Questions related with death beliefs and death perceptions were asked and respondents answered in the light of their religious beliefs, personal feelings and experiences. The results of the study highlight different perceptions about death among Muslim and Christian respondents. However, they all are agreed that by having good health and good quality of life, the fear of death decreases in old age. The results of this study are helpful for health care professionals, and policy makers in designing and promoting special health care support programmes for elders in order to shape positive death perception among them in accordance to their religion and making their lives positive and worth living.